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Almost half of UK small businesses have been hit by cyber crime, new research indicates.
The recent study, by government internet security initiative Get Safe Online, revealed that 44 per cent of respondents had been the victims of internet crime, with 36 per cent having been hit by a virus.
In the last two years, around 18 per cent of small businesses had fallen victim to internet scams such as hacking and spyware.
As reported by computing.co.uk, Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, said: "As cyber crime becomes more sophisticated, basic measures arent enough on their own.
"Businesses also must look at access control, data encryption and secure password practices, as well as looking at other measures such as staff training."
John Dunsmure, managing director of the British Chamber of Commerce, also emphasised that "It is crucial that businesses know the risks and take steps to protect themselves, particularly in the case of smaller businesses, when often someones livelihood can hang in the balance".
Internet services and marketing tools such as effective web design have become a vital tool for many small businesses. Around 60 per cent of respondents said their business would be unable to function if their IT system failed.
The survey is the latest in a series of studies which indicate that small businesses would benefit from focusing more on their IT and internet services.
A recent study by BT Ireland showed that small businesses operating without sufficient IT support staff are losing up to 15 per cent of the working week, as managers and other staff try to sort out IT problems themselves.
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